5 Ideas that Pack a Punch
I attended the 2nd Annual Business of Ideas Forum on Tuesday, February 12th. I may be biased, but I felt the day was packed with inspiration and incredible examples of successful innovation at work. Just goes to prove that you are never through with learning and accepting the status quo just isn’t acceptable.
Here are the 5 morsels of wisdom that I’ve etched in my psyche courtesy of great Canadian leaders and the brands they manage:
1) Giving back to your community not only helps others thrive and feeds your soul but can also contribute to the economic prosperity of a city. Tony Gagliano (Executive Chairman and CEO, St. Joseph Communications), shared his vision of a world-class Toronto and in the process put this great city on the global map as a leader in arts and creativity.
2) Maybe strategy isn’t king. Jim Little of RBC encouraged us to think less, do more, be brave, challenge convention and sometimes, listen to the those crazy voices that tell you something is ‘right’. His own testament to this belief is Frank and Gordon – Canada’s favourite beavers. Love ‘em or hate ‘em….they are proof that Jim is a man following his own vision.
3) Leaders create the smell of the place. Brilliant. Nothing else needs to be said. I personally thank Tim Penner, president of Procter & Gamble Inc, for encouraging a room full of senior executives to act upon what they expect of their own staff.
4) Listen to your consumers. Nothing new here except a channel that makes this an immediate reality and the technology to bring it forward. Kudos to power brands such as Home Depot and Walmart for being brave enough to do what not enough of their peers are doing. They are the evangelists for consumer generated content.
5) The time is always right for great storytelling. Proof positive: Galen G. Weston In his charming, articulate and motivating way, he shared how getting back to the roots of Loblaws by telling the stories behind the products they sell – is what will position this chain as a future leader. And I’d bet that there isn’t a Canadian among us who couldn’t recite a personal memory about the Dave Nichol’s days, introduction of Green Environmental Bags or even the Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Great day - thoughtful conversation, an opportunity to network and even some amusing banter about brands we thought we knew. I, for one, will be taking advantage of the early bird offer for the 3rd Annual Business of Ideas Forum. Where do I sign up?
